Savory Suzhou Mooncakes
Mooncakes are pastries timed to the Mid-Autumn Festival, a holiday that celebrates the commencement of the harvest season, and this variety is specific to Suzhou, China, a city on the outskirts of Shanghai. Stuffed with juicy ground pork, these savory, glazed mooncakes burst with the flavor of sweetened soy sauce. The shells are crisp and flaky, a texture achieved by layering then rolling two types of dough with lard. This recipe comes from “My Shanghai: Recipes and Stories From a City on the Water” by Betty Liu, whose mom made them each year when autumn rolled around. Traditionally, the pastries are cooked on the stovetop in a giant cast-iron skillet, but popping them into the oven ensures an even bake. Clarissa Wei
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